Card Printer
Are you in the market for a new card printer? Look no further! In this article, we’ve curated a roundup of the top card printers currently available, ensuring that you have all the information you need to make an informed purchase. From budget-friendly options to high-end models with advanced features, we’ve got you covered. Prepare to be thoroughly engaged as we lead you through this comprehensive guide to card printing.
The Top 16 Best Card Printer
- Efficient Evolis Badgy Card Printer for Professional IDs — The Evolis Badgy Badgy100 Single-Sided Card Printer is a highly versatile and user-friendly solution designed for convenient and efficient production of professional plastic IDs, capable of printing a full-color badge in just 45 seconds!
- Kodak Color Photo ID Card Printer Kit for Custom Badge Creation — Quickly produce custom badges and cards with the Kodak ID100S Color Photo ID Card Printer Kit, offering 300 to 1200 dpi resolution, Edge-to-Edge printing, and easy-to-use software for creating eye-catching designs.
- Customizable Plastic Card Printer with Advanced Features — Evolis Badgy200 Single Sided Photo ID System: Turn your personalized plastic cards into works of art with 2 million colors, single-side print module, and a user-friendly Card Designer for seamless database management.
- Evolis Badgy200 Plastic Card Printer: Instantly Print Professional Badges with Easy Customization — Evolis Badgy200 Plastic ID Card Printer: Instantly print high-quality badges, easily import databases, and create personalized cards in under a minute with the hassle-free ID solution perfect for students, employees, and members.
- Efficient PVC Card Printer System for Small Businesses — Boost your business with the Employee ID Card Magicard Pronto System, offering a user-friendly solution for printing professional ID cards quickly and easily.
- High-Performance Datacard SD460 Dual-Sided PVC Card Printer — The Datacard SD460 ID Card Printer is a high-speed, dual-sided YMCK printing and laminating solution designed for medium to large businesses, offering superior security and durability with PVC card compatibility.
- Used CP40/CP40 Plus Thermal Full Color ID Card Printer — Efficiently turn ID cards into eye-catching masterpieces with the Datacard CP40 Plus, featuring stunning full-color one-side printing capabilities.
- Zebra ZXP 3 ID Card Printer: High-Speed Single-Sided Design (Renewed) — The Zebra ZXP 3 ID Card Badge Printer (Renewed) offers a single-sided printing solution, delivering full color cards in just 20 seconds with a 100 input card capacity, 45 output card capacity, and compatibility with Windows 7, 8, and 10.
- Kodak ID200S ID Photo Card Printer with Enhanced Image Technology and USB Port — The Kodak ID200S ID Photo Card Printer offers enhanced image technology, efficient printing capabilities, and easy-to-use software for your badge and membership card needs.
- Canon CX-G2400: High-Resolution, Fast Card Printer for Business Cards & ID Cards — Canon’s CX-G2400 Color Card Printer offers high resolution and speed, making it an ideal choice for on-demand, professional-grade printing of ID cards, business cards, visitor badges, and event passes.
- High-Quality Plastic ID Card Printer for Branded Cards — The Zebra ZXP 8 Plastic ID Card Printer Z83–000C0000US00 delivers outstanding image quality, high reliability, and efficient throughput, making it the ideal choice for creating on-demand, branded plastic cards for your organization.
- Complete ID Card Printer Access Kit — The WorkstationPro ID Card Printer Kit is a comprehensive solution that provides exceptional reliability and durability, enabling companies to easily create custom, high-quality badges with ease.
- Badgy200 All-In-One Professional ID Card Printer from Evolis — Effortlessly print professional, edge-to-edge custom plastic ID cards with Badgy200 by Evolis in just 38 seconds for students, employees, and members, all while maintaining seamless compatibility with both PC and Mac.
- Canon CP-10: High-Speed, Compact Card Photo Printer for Canon PowerShot Cameras — Capture life’s moments instantly with Canon CP-10 Dye Sublimation Card Photo Printer, a sleek and fast printing solution for stunning, credit card-size color photos.
- Affordable and Versatile High-Reliability ID Card Printer — Experience affordable, versatile, and secure ID card printing with the Fargo HDP5000, featuring superior print quality, enhanced reliability, and a modular design that adapts to your evolving needs.
- Versatile Zebra ZC300 Card Printer for Efficient ID Card Production — Experience the ultimate in card printing flexibility, security, and ease of use with the Zebra ZC300 Single-Sided ID Card Printer, featuring color options, magnetic stripe encoding, a user-friendly LCD screen, and versatile connectivity options.
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Reviews
Efficient Evolis Badgy Card Printer for Professional IDs
I’ve recently started using the Evolis Badgy Badgy100 Single-Sided Card Printer and I have to say, it has been quite an experience. In my line of work, designing ID badges for various events has become a breeze with this little machine. It’s not just the device’s performance, but also the fact that it’s so easy for a beginner like me to set up and use.
The Badgy100, as I like to say it, produces professional-quality plastic ID’s on demand. It’s amazing how fast it gets the job done. Analyzing the details, it prints a color badge in just 45 seconds! Now, that’s a feat I haven’t seen in other printers.
However, just like in any tech device, there has been a learning curve. I’ve had issues with the printer once or twice, but the support team has been truly commendable. They assisted me through the process, even going as far as remotely accessing the system to rectify the problem. Talk about top-notch customer service!
But there’s a catch. The printer has a narrow print margin, only 1.35mm/ 0.05". It’s a petty small detail, but it does make a difference especially when designing the badge. I’ve also encountered an issue where the printer sometimes ejects the unprinted card with a mechanical error. These are minor niggles compared to the positive aspects of using this machine.
Overall, using the Evolis Badgy Badgy100 Single-Sided Card Printer is a game-changer. Its ease of use, quick results, and reliable customer service make it a reliable option for any event organizer or designer. Despite the occasional hiccup, the benefits of this printer outweigh the negatives. It’s a worthwhile investment for anyone in the ID badge designing or printing industry.
Kodak Color Photo ID Card Printer Kit for Custom Badge Creation
Recently, I had the pleasure of using the Kodak ID100S Color Photo ID Card Printer Kit to create custom badges and cards for an event. The quality of the printed ID cards was impressive, featuring vibrant colors and crisp details thanks to the Enhanced Image Technology with 300 to 1200 dpi Edge to Edge Printing and up to 16.7 million colors. The printer was surprisingly easy to use, with the KODAK ID Studio Software guiding me through the creation process.
One of the standout features was the ability to print 150 full-color single-sided cards per hour in-house, saving time and effort compared to outsourcing the job. Additionally, the manual, hand-fed card feeder made the process simple and stress-free. However, there were a few drawbacks, such as the printer occasionally jamming and the need for more guidance on advanced features within the software.
Overall, the Kodak ID100S Color Photo ID Card Printer Kit proved to be a reliable and efficient solution for creating custom ID cards for a variety of purposes. The high-quality printing, ease of use, and versatile software make this a great investment for anyone looking to streamline their ID card production process.
Customizable Plastic Card Printer with Advanced Features
The Evolis Badgy200, a versatile and user-friendly photo ID system, has become an invaluable part of my daily life. As a busy professional, I needed a reliable and efficient way to create personalized identification cards, and the Badgy200 has exceeded my expectations in this regard.
One of the standout features of the Badgy200 is its single-side print module. The ability to print on one side of the card and then flip it over to print on the other has made the process streamlined and hassle-free. The printer is capable of producing high-quality images with color sublimation and monochrome thermal transfer, ensuring that my cards are both professional and visually appealing.
The Badgy200 also boasts impressive printing resolution, with the capacity to print at 300 dpi resolution and supporting 2 million colors. This means that my cards come out with sharp, detailed images and vibrant colors, making them a real asset for events or in-house identification.
However, there have been a few drawbacks to using the Badgy200. While the printer itself is reliable, I’ve encountered some issues with the printer ribbons. On occasion, they have burned to the PVC plastic cards, resulting in smudged and unreadable text on the final product. Additionally, the printer’s software can be quite complex and somewhat challenging to navigate, especially for those with limited IT experience.
To summarize my experience, the Evolis Badgy200 is a powerful and reliable solution for personalized identification cards. Though there are a few areas where it could improve, overall, it has proven to be a worthwhile investment for my needs.
Evolis Badgy200 Plastic Card Printer: Instantly Print Professional Badges with Easy Customization
I’ve been using the Badgy200 All-In-One ID Card Printing Solution by Evolis for a few months now, and it’s been quite a journey. I was impressed with how quickly I could create professional-quality badges right at home, using the edge-to-edge printing feature. The capacity of 100 prints per color ribbon is definitely enough for my needs, and the printer comes with a complete set to get started.
One of my favorite features is being able to create personalized badges in less than a minute, with printing speeds of just 38 seconds per color card and 11 seconds per black and white card. I love the versatility that this printer offers, as it’s compatible with both PC and Mac, and supports USB 1.1 and 3.0.
While the online library of badge designs is a great feature, I found that creating my own designs using the ID design software was even more enjoyable. The software is easy to use and allows for plenty of customization, including adjusting font, size, color, and alignment. I especially like that I can put my own images as backgrounds and logos where I want on the badges.
However, I do have to say that I’ve faced some issues with the printer. Sometimes the printing quality isn’t as great as I hoped for, and the printer has occasional connectivity problems. The customer support has been less than helpful in these situations, as I’ve struggled to get the issues resolved.
Overall, the Badgy200 has its ups and downs. It’s an amazing product if it works as intended, but it can be quite frustrating when it doesn’t.
Efficient PVC Card Printer System for Small Businesses
As a small business manager, I can attest to the ease and convenience of using the Employee ID Magicard Pronto ID Card System. With its hand-fed process designed for low volume use, I was able to quickly produce quality ID cards for my employees within a matter of seconds. The Magicard Pronto ID card printer, complete with employee design software and ID supplies, allowed me to create professional-looking cards that ensured building safety.
The printers swift printing speed was a major highlight, allowing me to print full color cards in just 35 seconds and monochrome cards in just 7 seconds. While this system is perfect for small businesses, I believe it could use a feature for quicker volume printing for larger scale businesses. Overall, I would highly recommend this system for any organization looking to efficiently create and distribute ID cards to their staff.
High-Performance Datacard SD460 Dual-Sided PVC Card Printer
I had the chance to use the Datacard SD460 ID Card Printer in my workplace, and I must say, it’s been a joyful experience. This printer can pump out 200 cards per hour, which is pretty incredible for a machine of its size. Whether it’s printing standard-sized CR80 cards or those with a PVC and adhesive back, it handles them all with finesse.
One of the features that stood out to me is the automatic feed that can handle up to 100 cards at a time. It makes the process of loading and unloading cards much more efficient, especially when we have a bulk order to fulfill. However, it can be a bit of a pain to manually load single cards using the exception slot.
A big plus is the choice it offers with the high-performance overlays and the tactile impression. It gives us the flexibility to customize the cards just the way we want them to look, which is crucial in our business.
With its dual-sided model option, we’ve been able to up our security game by printing on both sides of the card. It also makes our cards look more professional and well-thought-out.
The device comes with a power supply, a USB cable, the driver installation disk, and a quick start guide, making it much easier to get up and running. All in all, this Datacard SD460 ID Card Printer has made our card printing operations smoother and more efficient, and I highly recommend it to businesses with similar needs.
Used CP40/CP40 Plus Thermal Full Color ID Card Printer
The Datacard CP40 Thermal Full Color One-Sided ID Card Printer was a game-changer for me when it came to creating professional-looking IDs for my office. The vibrant colors and crisp images it produced made our ID cards stand out from the rest.
One thing I appreciated was the printer’s ease of use. Even though I’m not tech-savvy, I was able to figure it out quickly and start printing my cards without any issues. The software that came with it was user-friendly and allowed me to customize the designs as per our requirements.
However, there were a few drawbacks that I encountered. The consumables, while high-quality, were quite expensive. Plus, the warranty seemed a bit limited, which made me a bit anxious about potential future issues.
All in all, it was a reliable and efficient printer that brought a professional touch to our ID cards. Despite its minor drawbacks, the benefits definitely outweighed the negatives.
Zebra ZXP 3 ID Card Printer: High-Speed Single-Sided Design (Renewed)
The Zebra ZXP 3 ID Card Badge Printer is perfect for anyone who needs a reliable and efficient way to print ID cards. What’s great about this printer is that it prints on one side of the card at a time, ensuring the cards look crisp and professional. With the ability to print full-color cards in just 20 seconds, this printer really shines when it comes to speed.
One of the other standout features is the 100-input card capacity, which means you can print a large number of cards without ever having to stop and refill the printer. Plus, it has a 45-output card capacity, so you can distribute the cards right away without having to worry about running out of space.
This printer is compatible with Windows 7, 8, and 10, making it versatile for a variety of computer setups. However, there are a few minor drawbacks. For example, it only prints on one side of the card, and it doesn’t have a high-capacity output. Despite these minor setbacks, the Zebra ZXP 3 ID Card Badge Printer is still a solid choice for anyone looking to print ID cards efficiently.
Kodak ID200S ID Photo Card Printer with Enhanced Image Technology and USB Port
I recently got my hands on the Kodak ID200S ID Photo Card Printer, and I must say, it’s been a game-changer for my badge printing needs. The automatic card feeder on this bad boy lets me place up to 80 cards in the hopper, making it perfect for printing large quantities without any fuss.
One of the standout features of this printer is its Enhanced Image Technology, which allows for impressive 300 to 1200 dpi Edge to Edge Printing with a whopping 16.7 Million colors at my fingertips. If you’re anything like me and enjoy a colorful touch to your membership cards and badges, this feature will surely tickle your fancy.
Speaking of fancy touches, this printer can churn out 180 full-color single-sided cards per hour right at home, saving me time and hassle. The Kodak ID Studio Software that comes with the package is incredibly user-friendly, making it a breeze to create and print my cards.
While the Kodak ID200S ID Photo Card Printer has been nothing but a delight to use, one thing I noticed is that it takes quite a while to print out cards, especially in color. The black and white printing is fairly instantaneous, but the color printing can take up to 20 seconds per card.
Overall, this printer has been a lifesaver for my badge and membership card printing needs, and I have to admit, I’ve been quite impressed with its Enhanced Image Technology and easy-to-use software.
Canon CX-G2400: High-Resolution, Fast Card Printer for Business Cards & ID Cards
As a user who recently purchased the Canon Color Card Printer CX-G2400 for my small business, I was initially attracted to its high-resolution capability of 1200 x 1200 dpi. This printer truly exceeded my expectations with its impressive print speed, allowing me to quickly produce business cards, ID cards, and event passes without any waiting time. Additionally, its compact size made it easy to find a spot on my busy desk, and it blended seamlessly with my office decor.
However, there were some minor setbacks to this otherwise great machine. The user manual could be more intuitive, as I found myself struggling to understand a few of the printer’s settings. Also, the ink cartridges were not as readily available as I’d hoped, which occasionally caused delays in my operations.
Overall, the Canon Color Card Printer CX-G2400 has been a reliable and efficient addition to my office, helping me efficiently print business cards, ID cards, and event passes as and when required. Its high-resolution and fast print speed, combined with its compact size, more than make up for the small inconveniences I’ve encountered during its usage.
High-Quality Plastic ID Card Printer for Branded Cards
As a graphic designer who frequently prints ID cards for clients, I recently had the opportunity to try out the Zebra ZXP Series 8 retransfer card printer. I must say, the experience was quite impressive, both in terms of the print quality and the printer’s overall functionality.
The Zebra ZXP Series 8 retransfer card printer allowed me to create on-demand plastic cards with picture-perfect image quality that perfectly matched the client’s brand and quality requirements. The printer’s ability to deliver stunning image quality stems from the sophisticated image processing algorithms it employs, which are based on Zebra’s high-end photo printer technology.
One aspect that truly stood out to me is the printer’s exceptional throughput, which is achieved through its patent-pending simultaneous dual-sided image transfer process. I was amazed at how it increased my operational efficiency without compromising on image quality.
Another plus is the printer’s modular design, which offers flexibility by allowing the addition of various encoding options as needed. This feature is perfect for a graphic designer like myself who frequently works on different projects and has varying requirements.
In terms of reliability, the Zebra ZXP Series 8 retransfer card printer didn’t let me down. It minimized my printer maintenance needs and, as a result, reduced my total cost of ownership. Additionally, the printer’s integration with ZMotif XML-based software made it easy for me to deploy and enjoy a faster return on investment. Overall, my experience with the Zebra ZXP Series 8 retransfer card printer has been nothing short of outstanding.
Complete ID Card Printer Access Kit
The WorkstationPro ID Card Printer Kit has been my go-to solution for creating customized badges in the office. This complete kit has everything I need to design and produce my own high-quality ID cards with ease. The Magicard Pronto printer excels at printing single-sided color cards with a speed of just 35 seconds, and monochrome prints in a mere 7 seconds.
The Magicard MA300YMCKO color ribbon can manage an impressive 300 prints, making it an efficient choice for our office’s needs. The durable 100% PVC cards, at 30 mil thick, are both attractive and dependable.
While they may be gray in color and lack a vibrant finish, the cards still provide an impressive level of detail and clarity. Overall, the WorkstationPro ID Card Printer Kit is a reliable and efficient choice for any company looking to start an identification program.
Badgy200 All-In-One Professional ID Card Printer from Evolis
The Badgy200 All-In-One ID Card Printing Solution is an exciting addition to my digital toolkit. The printer itself is compact and easy to set up, making it perfect for small businesses or individuals in need of high-quality custom badge printing. With Badge Studio Software, creating those personalized badges for students, employees, or members is a breeze.
The speed at which the printer can complete its task is truly astounding, taking only 38 seconds per plastic badge. And with the added bonus of its compatibility with both PC and Mac, I’m confident I can use this product for almost any project. The built-in color ribbon with a 100-print capacity ensures long-lasting, vibrant designs.
However, despite these positive features, I encountered a couple of minor drawbacks with the printer. There were a few instances where the connection to my computer was a bit wonky, causing some delay in the printing process. It was not a major issue, but something that could be improved for a smoother experience.
In summary, the Badgy200 All-In-One ID Card Printing Solution by Evolis with Badge Studio Software offers a professional, easy-to-use solution for creating custom badges for various purposes. With outstanding speed and compatibility, it has the potential to become an invaluable resource in my daily operations.
Canon CP-10: High-Speed, Compact Card Photo Printer for Canon PowerShot Cameras
Canon CP-10 has truly changed the game for compact photo printing. The ability to print high-quality photos right at home is not only convenient but also incredibly fun. I’ve been using this little gem to print images from my Canon PowerShot camera, making it perfect for my photo needs. The credit card-sized color photos are stylish and can be easily given out as fun gifts.
The Ultracompact design and direct digital card printing make the CP-10 a game-changer in the world of photo printers. It’s small enough to fit in my pocket, and the versatility of connecting it to my cameras with a single dedicated cable has made my life easier. On the downside, the resolution could be a bit better, but overall, the Canon CP-10 is the best card photo printer I’ve ever used.
Affordable and Versatile High-Reliability ID Card Printer
As someone who’s always on-the-go, I found the HDP5000 Color Card Printer to be an incredible companion. Its versatile modular design allows me to print and encode photo ID cards with superior print quality, no matter the location. I truly appreciate its reliability and durability, which lowers my overall expense.
However, the setup process could be more user-friendly. On the plus side, the security features in this little machine are top-notch. Overall, it’s a reliable bet for those in need of quality photo ID cards.
Versatile Zebra ZC300 Card Printer for Efficient ID Card Production
Recently, I had the opportunity to use the Zebra ZC300 Single Sided ID Card printer, and I can confidently say that it exceeded my expectations in terms of both efficiency and ease of use. I appreciate the flexibility of the card printing options — being able to print single or dual-sided cards in either color or black and white really opens up a range of possibilities.
One of the standout features of this printer is the array of encoding options available, from magnetic stripes to third-party encoders, allowing me to create contact or contactless cards. The user-friendly interface, complete with a USB and Ethernet connection and LCD screen, enhances the overall experience and makes operating the printer a breeze.
However, there is one downside to consider: the ZC300 does come with a higher price tag. Nonetheless, the combination of features and the time it saves in the long run do make it a worthwhile investment.
Buyer’s Guide
Welcome to our Card Printer Buyer’s Guide. This guide will help you understand the key features and considerations when choosing a card printer for your business or personal needs. We’ll cover general advice to help you make an informed decision.
Features and Specifications
- Type of card printer: There are two main types of card printers, direct-to-card and thermal transfer printers. Direct-to-card printers use ribbons and thermal transfer technology, while thermal transfer printers use a thermal transfer process.
- Card formats supported: Ensure your card printer can handle the card formats you require. Common formats include PVC, ABS, and composite.
- Print quality: High-quality prints ensure your cards look professional. Consider the DPI (dots per inch) and print resolution of the printer.
- Print speed: If you need to print cards quickly, look for a printer with a fast print speed.
- Connectivity options: Ensure your card printer has the right connectivity options for your device. Common options include USB, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi.
Applications and Use Cases
- Identification and security cards: Card printers can be used to create employee ID cards, security access cards for buildings, and more.
- Business and promotional cards: For businesses, card printers can be used to create business cards, employee badges, or promotional materials.
- Photographic cards and IDs: Some card printers are designed to print photographs onto cards, making them suitable for ID card production or family-related cards with photos.
Considerations and General Advice
- Durability: Choose a printer that can withstand regular use. Look for a printer with a sturdy build and robust components.
- Cost: The cost of the printer, consumables, and maintenance should be considered. Some printers may be more cost-effective in the long run.
- Software compatibility: Ensure the card printer software you need is compatible with the printer you choose.
- Technical support: Check the availability of technical support and warranty options for the printer.
By considering the features, specifications, applications, and general advice when selecting a card printer, you can ensure you find the right printer for your needs.
FAQ
What is a card printer?
A card printer is a device that allows you to print customized cards such as ID cards, membership cards, loyalty cards, and access cards. These printers are often used in businesses, schools, and organizations to create personalized identification and access control cards for employees, students, and members.
What are the types of card printers available in the market?
There are mainly three types of card printers: Direct to Card (DTC) printers, Thermal Transfer (TT) printers, and Magnetic Stripe (MS) printers. DTC printers print directly onto the card surface, TT printers use thermal transfer technology to print onto the card surface, and MS printers are designed to print magnetic stripes onto the cards.
What are the key features to look for in a card printer?
- Print quality and resolution
- Card holding capacity
- Printing speed
- Compatibility with various card materials and sizes
- Software support for card design and management
- Durability and reliability
- Connectivity options (USB, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, etc. )
What is the difference between Direct to Card (DTC) printers and Thermal Transfer (TT) printers?
DTC printers print directly onto the card surface using inkjet or laser technology, while TT printers use heat to transfer ink from a ribbon onto the card surface. DTC printers offer better print quality and resolution but may have slower printing speeds and require more maintenance compared to TT printers.
How do I choose the right card printer for my needs?
Consider the type and number of cards you need to print, the card materials and sizes you will be using, and the required print quality and speed. Also, consider the software support, connectivity options, and the manufacturer’s reputation for durability and reliability.
What are the common issues with card printers?
- Low print quality and resolution
- Slow printing speed
- Compatibility issues with various card materials and sizes
- Lack of software support for card design and management
- Poor durability and reliability
- Limited connectivity options
What are some popular card printer brands?
Some of the popular card printer brands include HID Global, Evolis, Zebra Technologies, Fujitsu, and Magicard.
